Ep 299: How to Protect Your Power and Avoid an Unnecessary Episiotomy

Birth With Power

Dr. Nicole C. Rankins

Parenting, Kids & Family

4.9 • 637 Ratings

🗓️ 3 June 2025

⏱️ 22 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Episiotomy is not routine anymore, but it hasn't gone away. If it's done without your consent or because your doctor's in a hurry, that’s a problem. So let's talk about it! Because when you understand what an episiotomy really is, when it's actually needed, and how to protect yourself from one that isn't needed, that's when you step into your power.

I first covered this topic back in 2020 but I want to circle back to it because I’d like to come out harder with my thoughts on consent, power, how doctors' habits can shape your birth, and things you can do to protect yourself. So whether this is brand new for you or something you've heard horror stories about, stay with me because I'm giving you the real deal on what to watch out for in labor so nothing is done to you without your consent.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What the biggest predictor of whether you will get an episiotomy is
Why it’s important to discuss your doctor’s approach ahead of time
How rates have changed over time
What the two types are and how they differ
When it may actually be necessary — and how rare that is
What language during labor can signal an episiotomy is about to happen
What the healing process is like and when to seek pelvic floor support

Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode299

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Epiziotomy is not routine anymore, but it hasn't gone away. And if it's done without your
0:07.0	consent or done because your doctor's in a hurry, that is a problem. So let's talk about it.
0:12.9	Because when you understand what apisotomy really is, when it's actually needed and how to
0:20.1	protect yourself from one that isn't needed, that's when you step
0:25.1	into your power.
0:31.8	Welcome to the Birth with Power podcast where knowledge is power and power transforms birth.
0:39.4	I'm Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankin's mom of two and practicing board certified OBGYN with over 20
0:45.0	years of experience and nearly 2,000 births attended.
0:48.6	I've seen firsthand how the hospital system can leave women feeling unheard and uncertain, but that doesn't have to be
0:55.6	your story. Here, you'll get the knowledge, support, and strategies to take charge of your
1:01.1	birth experience so you can walk into the hospital feeling calm, confident, and empowered.
1:07.4	Note, this podcast is for educational purposes only, and it's not a substitute for medical advice.
1:12.5	See the full disclaimer at Dr. Nicole Rankins.com forward slash disclaimer.
1:16.8	Now let's get to it.
1:20.1	Pregnancy can be overwhelming, but your inbox doesn't have to be.
1:25.6	The Birth with Power Brief is my free weekly newsletter with expert tips,
1:31.2	real talk, and support you can actually use. No pressure, no preachy advice, just a breath of fresh air
1:40.1	in your inbox every Thursday. Come join me at Dr. Nicole Rankins.com forward slash email.
1:48.7	Hello there. Welcome to another episode of the podcast. This is episode number 299, whether this is your
1:56.3	first time listening or you've been here before. I am so glad you are spending some time with me today.
2:04.0	In this episode, I am breaking down apisiotomy, a topic I first covered back in 2020,
2:10.8	but I want to circle back to it because I want to come out harder with my thoughts on consent, power, how doctors' habits can shape
	...

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